6 takeaways from Washington Huskies 28-21 win at California
The Washington Huskies advanced to 6-2 in 2022 with a hard-fought 28-21 win over California. Here are our seven big takeaways.
The Washington Huskies won their sixth game of 2022, defeating California 28-21. Cal always plays the Huskies tough, and this game was no exception. They didn’t make it easy on Washington this time, either. The game could have gone the other way but the Huskies superior talent won out in the end.
Takeaway #1 – Slaying the Dragon
Not only was this the Washington Huskies’ first road win of the season, but it was also their first win away from Husky Stadium in nearly a calendar year. The last time UW won a game away from home was October 30, 2021, at Stanford Stadium.
Hopefully, this gives the Huskies a little confidence that they can win on the road. They’ll need it because their next away game is on November 12 against 10th-ranked Oregon at Autzen Stadium.
Takeaway #2 – Take What the Defense Gives You
The Golden Bears’ defense made it their mission to take away the long ball. If that was meant to deter the Washington Huskies and their dynamic quarterback Michael Penix, the strategy wasn’t a winner.
Instead of going with the deep pass, Penix adapted, taking advantage of the short and middle routes available to him. All the nickels and dimes led to big dollars as Penix completed 36 of 51 passes for 374 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Kalen DeBoer certainly made the right choice in picking Penix to be the Huskies’ starting quarterback.
Takeaway #3 – Closers Needed
Although the Huskies owned the first half in time of possession, holding the ball for 20:41, they couldn’t score a touchdown. On their first three possessions, UW moved the ball 152 yards.
The result was a pair of Peyton Henry field goals (he missed a third). Those kicks gave the Huskies a 6-0 lead at halftime.
While on the topic of closing, Washington had a hard time finishing off their hosts. Leading 28-21 with 6:11 left in the game, UW had the ball twice. They ran eight plays, burned a total of 3:14, and punted twice.
Takeaway #4 – Welcome Back, Richard Newton
Running back Richard Newton, who only played sparingly in four games before Saturday night due to injuries, announced his presence. The junior picked up 18 yards on 5 carries.
His big impact came via the pass. In the fourth quarter, Newton caught a pass on the right sideline, stiff-armed two defenders, and went 36 yards to the house. The touchdown put the Washington Huskies up 28-14 and was the deciding score.
Michael Penix Jr ➡️ Richard Newton for the 36 yard TD!
Penix tonight: 34-46, 361 yards, 2 TDs #Huskies pic.twitter.com/bIwxtNn3tg
— ?????? @???????? (@FTBeard7) October 23, 2022
Takeaway #5 – Paying the price
California quarterback Jack Plummer had 167 of his 245 yards and 3 touchdowns in the second half. As the game wore on, he was able to take advantage of Washington’s inexperienced defensive backs.
J. Michael Sturdivant had two of those touchdowns, including a 48-yarder where he was wide open due to a miscommunication. That was one of several missed assignments and something the Huskies must work on during their bye week.
Takeaway 6 – Crunch at Crunch-time
It’s no secret that California doesn’t have a good offensive line. The Washington Huskies pressured Plummer all game.
When the game was on the line, and UW needed their pass rush the most, they stepped up. With just under three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Washington sacked Jack Plummer twice, forcing Cal to punt.
With this victory, the Washington Huskies are now 6-2 and already eligible for a bowl game. They have a bye this week before taking on Oregon State at Husky Stadium on Friday, November 4. Go Dawgs!